BRIAN FLYNN could soon swap one job for another by returning as Wales Under-21 manager.

BRIAN FLYNN could soon swap one job for another by returning as Wales Under-21 manager.

Flynn's 13-year reign at Wrexham is drawing to a close - possibly as early as this week - but he might prove the perfect candidate with Wales manager Mark Hughes promising to review the under-21 set-up.

Wales have gone 23 games without a victory at under-21 level and manager Jimmy Shoulder has come under increasing pressure.

Hughes has promised to review the under-21 structure and will report back to the Football Association of Wales in November. If, as expected, there is change with Shoulder moved sideways, then Flynn would be the leading figure to shape the next generation of Welsh players.

Flynn enjoyed some success in the role and helped develop players like John Hartson and Nathan Blake before he was sacked by then-Wales manager Bobby Gould in 1996.

The post would also put Flynn back in the Wales frame should Hughes - who has been linked with Premiership jobs in the past - relinquish his position as national manager.

The 66-times capped former Wales midfielder has always had an ambition to manage his country and was devastated when he lost out to Gould in 1995.

Meanwhile, Flynn's time at Wrexham is running out, although he should be in charge for home games with Port Vale and Peterborough this week. Wrexham's 5-0 thrashing at Tranmere on Friday - their third defeat in a row - dropped them into the Second Division relegation zone and another setback against Port Vale tomorrow could force the board to act.

Flynn's departure, though, is more likely to come after the Peterborough game that precedes a two-week break because of internationals.

Club captain Brian Carey - unburdened by playing commitments because of a hernia operation - and player-coach Kevin Russell could be in charge for the visit of Queen's Park Rangers on October 13.

Former Wales captain Kevin Ratcliffe, who has steered Shrewsbury Town to the top of Division Three on a shoestring budget, remains the favourite to do the job long-term.

The sale of Darren Ferguson is expected to finance the pay-off for Flynn, assistant manager Kevin Reeves and coach Joey Jones, who all have a year left on their contracts.

Ferguson angered the board in midweek by criticising the lack of financial support given to Flynn.